Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Original Motion Picture Special Edition: 35th Anniversary

by Peter Laird, Kevin Eastman

Celebrate the 35th anniversary of the original 1990 TMNT movie!

The Turtles made their their big screen debut in 1990 in the live action movie Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles! Adapted by co-creators Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird this edition contains the original graphic novel plus Eastman’s rough page layouts along with placement notes for the original edition. It also includes the “cut scenes” that were used in the Mirage graphic novel edition.

Genres: Graphic Novels

136 pages, Paperback

First published December 2, 2025

About the author

Peter Alan Laird is an American comic book writer and artist. He is best known for co-creating the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles with writer and artist Kevin Eastman.

Reviews

[Rod Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked up early issues of the original TMNT comic book series back in the 1980s, but I gave it up before or around the time the Archie comics series began. I did check out the first movie though, and I really liked it a lot, but I'm not sure I ever bothered to pick up this adaptation back in 1990. It feels familiar, but I have too many comic book boxes to dig through to be able to confirm.

It's a good summary of the movie script and the art is fine if a bit claustrophobic with all the small panels. It's so striking when some splash panels throughout the story actually give the art some room to breathe.

This deluxe edition has the Mirage Studios version of the story that added a few scenes and pages to the original Archie Comics version. It also includes Kevin Eastman's full layouts for the entire issue, so you can immediately read it all over again in a rougher version with scratchy and incomplete lettering.

Anyhow, it's a good hit of nostalgia and makes me want to watch the movie again to see if I still like it as much as I did back then. Looks like it is on Paramount+ right now.


Disclosure: I received access to a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.com.

[Krystal · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm a serious outlier here, because I thought it kinda sucked.

The artwork is childish and flat, with hideous faces and a lack of detail that makes the characters look freakish. Very reminiscent of the bad drawings I used to do on MS Paint as a kid, where you then just fill the colour with a click. The panels are cramped and the writing more so, and just so much of it!

It's been a long time since I saw the film, and I wanted to feel the nostalgia but I just couldn't get past the hideous presentation. I'm a big TMNT fan so it feels a little like blasphemy saying so, but I just did not enjoy this. The massive, central watermark on the NetGalley digital copy didn't help, either.

The bonus sketch pages at the back were kinda cool, but to me it also kinda showed that the faces hadn't changed all that much from the original rough sketches. It's always cool to see an artist's process, though, so fans of the comic format should get a kick out of it.

Sadly, this was a massive disappointment to me. I'll stick to the new stuff, I think!

With thanks to NetGalley for an e-ARC

[Juniper L.H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t know if this is worth 5 stars…. Hard to rate you know? Graphic novels/comics are always that way for me, especially ones that are 35 years old. That said, this delivers EXACTLY what it promises so on that basis 5 stars it is.

This is a dense comic. The whole movie is in only 66ish pages. It’s good though; an exact copy of the movie. If anyone reading this hasn’t seen that original TMNT live action movie (and its sequel) I recommend that you go and do so somehow! Now I few old.

The 2nd half of this is the entire book a second time but in storyboards. That’s neat, but honestly didn’t do much for me. If you were a fan of that kind of thing though then I think you would like this.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing a free ARC. This honest review was left voluntarily.

[Terry Rudge · Rating 5 out of 5]

The nostalgia was REAL.

Honestly, this 35th Anniversary Edition hit me right in the childhood feels. From the moment I opened it, it was like being back in the 90s again. Pizza, comics, adoring a rat and 4 turtles.

The original concept and story still get me every time ! Gritty, weirdly heartfelt, and way cooler than it has any right to be. You can really feel the passion Eastman & Laird had when they first brought the Turtles to life.

And the extras in this edition are absolutely fantastic. The behind-the-scenes sketches, early design notes, the evolution of the images were awesome. I loved seeing how the art and ideas grew into the pop-culture juggernaut we know today.

If you grew up with the Turtles or just love a good comic history deep dive, this edition is a total treat. Cowabunga forever. 🐢💚

[KaysKillerReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re a fan of TMNT, you already know how good this is without even reading it… it’s Kevin Eastman & Peter Laird (was there ever any doubt?)!! This is an absolute must-have for fans young and old… your collection needs it (I know you have one). I already have a few TMNT lovers in mind that I’ll be grabbing this for… just in time for the holidays! Thanks for making my Christmas shopping a little easier.

Thank you to IDW Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and honestly review the digital ARC of this graphic novel.

[Ben A · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun adaptation of the first TMNT film that brings it back to the original art style of the black and white comics that features several extra scenes and expansions on others. I had it back in the day at the height of my Turtle Power obsession and I absolutely love it then and still love it now thirty-five (how did that happen?) years later.

Special Thanks to IDW Publishing and Netgalley for the digital ARC. This was given to me for an honest review.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review*

I've always been a fan of the Teenage Mutant Ninja turtles thanks to my dad- who's even more a fan than I am, and first introduced me to them when I watched the 2007 adaptation (I'm a 2002 baby). I haven't seen the 1990 movie (soon to be amended!) so this comic was all new to me, but nonetheless I really loved it. The art style is gritty, action packed and jammed with the typical teenage turtle shenanigans. Casey Jones and April O'Neil are cool in their own ways too, and I loved everyone's dynamics.

I think OG fans will appreciate the bonus content at the end, which shows original covers, sketches and other extra scenes that were added to various editions.

Overall, I think anyone who loves the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles- both older and newer fans, no matter what material you like best- will enjoy this comic, it's such a blast!

4/5 🌟

[Steven Barrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disclosure: I received access to a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.co.uk

The 35th Anniversary Special Edition of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Original Motion Picture is a unique comic in the franchise, perfectly blending the plot of the 1990 film with the iconic visual style of Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird.

The updated full-colour artwork allows us to see the movie’s key moments from the first meeting between Raph and Casey Jones to the final rooftop battle between the turtles and the Shredder, in a new light, different from the film and the original black and white colics that inspired them.

The second half of the book contains early artwork and artist notes; these additions give it real collector appeal and reveal how the creators approached translating the film back into comic form.

I never knew this comic existed until this re-release and I am so happy to have a chance to own this for myself and I highly recommend it to any TMNT fan.

[Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s been ages since I saw the original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle movie, yet I still have fond memories of the group from my childhood. This rerelease is a nice way to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the original 1990 movie.
The first half contains the original comic adaptation of the movie, and the second half contains bonus original storyboard pages.
The comic definitely shows its age with an older style of art typical from comics in the 90’s, but this in no way detracts from the fun to be found within the panels.
Overall, I enjoyed this comic and had a fun time reading about my favourite group of anthropomorphic martial art practicing reptiles.
Thanks to NetGalley and IDW Publishing for sending me and eARC.

[Brandon Nichols · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my favorite stories presented in a different way. It was nice to see this fusion of old and... well... older.

A few of the great lines have fallen away. I'm assuming they were things that came during the filming process and therefore not a part of the original vision. "Pork rhind?" Gone. "A fellow chucker, eh?" Gone.

Still, for all of that, it was a good bit of nostalgia at a time where that's almost all we can rely on.

Thanks for this.

... don't do it for II or III

[John Walthers · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who enjoyed TMNT growing up and enjoyed the original movie I really enjoyed this Anniversary Edition Graphic Novel of the Story. This brought alot of Nostalgia and the artwork and story were great to relive in this format.

Special Thanks to IDW for the Digital advanced Copy of this release.

[k2148 · Rating 4 out of 5]

IDW ARC via NetGalley

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

A must have for any TMNT fan really. The 1991 movie adapted into Eastman and Lairds style is a perfect curio to have on ones shelf. Nothing is going to shock you about it. If you’ve seen the movie you know the plot. Eastmans layouts are a nice touch but doing the whole movie again just felt like padding. A new interview with them both might have been a better addition.

However its a big nostalgic hug for all us old school turtle heads and I’d recommend it

[bookcookery]

While some younger fans of the more recent TMNT reboots may enjoy this graphic novel, it’s (not surprisingly) aimed at nostalgic fans of the original movie or comics. The storyline has aged fairly well, and longtime fans will likely appreciate the bonus cover art and the rough layouts.

Thanks to IDW Publishing and NetGalley for the advance reading copy.

[Книжни Криле · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Original Motion Picture Special Edition: 35th Anniversary is a must-have for fans of both the comics and the first TMNT film. Adapting what many still consider the best Turtles movie, this edition stands out with its bold, dynamic artwork by the original creators Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird, whose style captures the grit and energy that made the franchise iconic. What makes this release even more appealing is the wealth of bonus content: original covers, behind-the-scenes sketches, and work-in-progress art that give readers a glimpse into the creative process behind the Turtles’ world. Whether you’re a lifelong TMNT collector or simply a comic fan who never picked up earlier editions, this volume delivers both nostalgia and artistry in one handsome package. Highly recommended.

[Ron Baumer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great and well-illustrated book to remember the original TMNT story. The artwork is colorful, and the story holds true to the original characters and plot. Fans of all ages will enjoy the story and remembering the original series. A great read.

Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles were a huge part of my childhood: the Saturday morning cartoon, the merchandise, and, of course, the 1990s' movies. Reading this comic adaptation of the first movie hit me with a massive wave of childhood nostalgia, but there is much in it that adult me appreciates—not least of which is the fluidly presented fight scenes.

Old fans of the TMNT will appreciate this blast from the past, and I'm sure it will make fans out of newcomers, too.

Received via NetGalley.